This page represents KenŽ items from 1961 until
the present that are considered verified prototypes or concept items that they
never made it into production. I will try to provide dates and model
numbers if known. If you own verified genuine Mattel prototype Ken items,
please send me pictures and descriptions so I may include them on this page.

Ken is a registered trademark of Mattel, Inc.
These pages are neither affiliated with, nor a representative of Mattel, Inc. Material
provided on these pages do not in any way reflect the opinions of Mattel, Inc.

At the
2006 National Barbie Doll Collectors Convention, Mattel displayed rare
prototype head molds representing the conceptualization of the first and
other Kens doll from their vault. This example (pictured left) is
a rooted blonde version of Mod Hair Ken. The production version
had brown rooted hair.

Similar to the pattern for this fashion is
this uncompleted fashion sample from Mattel. The fashion is sewn
but the lapel backs and bottom retain pinned down. This sample was
never produced. From my personal collection. (A gift from Sandi Holder)

This prototype head mold from Mattel was
later used for the production doll. The prototype is marked
"TAIWAN" on the back underside rim and has black color rooted hair,
unlike the production doll that doesn't have this marking and brown
rooted hair. From my personal collection. (A gift from Sandi Holder)

1990 On the Go Ken and Fashion
On the Go Ken was pictured and listed for
1990 release along with a separate fashion in the Mattel dealer
catalogue. Later, he, along with On the Go Barbie were canceled by Mattel and dropped off official
Barbie product listings.

Mattel trimmed the 1994 Barbie line which included these
two Ken dolls that were listed by Mattel but were later dropped.
Model #12000 is pictured in the link.

1997 Ralph Lauren Ken Prototype

Probably around the same time as Ralph
Lauren BarbieŽ doll available exclusively at Bloomingdale's, this Ken
doll is also clothed in authentic Ralph Lauren designs, but never made
it into production. Owned by Judene Hansen, owner of Dream Dolls
Gallery & More, he is on display in the museum there of
OOAK dolls bears and toys.

Hopes ran high at the
beginning of 1998 with the announcement of "Zach", a
new male friend of SkipperŽ. Joining her in the "Totally Yo-Yo" line,
Zach doll's face was prominently pictured in Mattel literature and major
BarbieŽ publications.

Mattel announced that Sugar
Daddy Palm Beach Ken doll was a preliminary concept, and is not moving
forward as part of the 2010 Barbie Fashion Model Collection. The doll made it as far as
dealer sites with a model number (T3285) and a release date of
April 2010 and approximate price of $70. After that, Palm Beach
Ken made quite the rounds on celebrity blogs, mostly sexualizing and
stereotyping the concept.